REPORT 



EXPEDITION 



RELIEF OF YELLOW-FEVER SUFFERERS 



ON THE 



LOWER MISSISSIPPI. 



^ ^. / LO(hA^ 



washikgto:n^: 

aOVEBNMENT PEINTING OFFICE. 

1878. 



U.S. W^T ievh 

REPORT 



EXPEDITIOlsr 



FOR THB 



UELIEF OF YELLOW-FEVER SUFFERERS 



ON THE 



LOWER MISSISSIPPI, 



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t^ 



O- 




WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 

1878. 



T 



■ J.^ c 



I— 



REPORT 



EXPEDITION FOR THE RELIEF OF YELLOW-FEVER SUFFERERS 
ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. 



War Department, 
Washington City, November 30, 1878. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of Lieut. 
Charles S. Hall, Thirteenth United States Infantry, who accompanied 
the expedition down the Mississippi River, in October last, to relieve the 
sufferers by the yellow fe^^er, and who assumed command of the reUef- 
boat Chambers, upon the death of its commanding officer, Lieut. Hiram 
H. Benner, Eighteenth United States Infantry, who fell a^^ctim to that 
scourge, from which he so nobly endeavored to relieve others. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEO. W. McCEARY, 

Secretary of War. 
Hon. A. R, Shepherd, 

Chairman Executive Committee National Relief Commission., 

Washington, JD. C. 



BEPOET OF THE EXPEDITION FOE THE EELIEF OF YEL- 
LOW-FEVEE SUFFEEEES ON THE LOWEE MISSISSIPPI. 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following- report of the " expedi- 
tion for the relief of yellow-fever sufferers on the Lower Mississippi," 
on which expedition I was ordered as assistant to First Lieut. H. H. 
Benner, Eighteenth Infantry. 

In obedience to telegraphic instructions from headquarters Depart- 
ment of the South, Newi)ort Barracks, Ky., September 29 and Septem- 
ber 30, 1878, First Lieut. H. H. Benner, Eighteenth Infantry, and I left 
Atlanta, Ga., on the morning of October 1, 1878, and proceeded directly 
to Saint Louis, Mo., where we arrived in the evening of October 2, 1878. 
Lieutenant Benner reported to Gov. A. E. Shepherd, chairman national 
relief committee, and I reported to Lieutenant Benner, according to in- 
structions, upon our arrival at the Lindell Hotel, Saint Louis. 

The steamer John M. Chambers, a stern-wheel boat of about 300 tons 
capacity, had been chartered for the occasion, and ^as being loaded 
with stores for distribution, and of which boat and cargo Lieutenant 
Benner was to take charge as commander, with me as his assistant, the 
cargo to be distributed according to printed instructions given Lieuten- 
ant Benner by Governor She])herd, a copy of which is inclosed. 

While awaiting the completion of the loading of the boat a telegram 
was received by Lieutenant Benner from Brig. Gen. Augiu^, command- 
ing ]3epartment of the South, to the effect that there was an apprehen- 
sion of an attack being made on the boat, by lawless mobs, for the pur- 
pose of securing the stores, and directing him to take precautions against 
the possibility of such an occurrence. Lieutenant Benner received 20 
carbines and 2,000 rounds of aunnunitiou from General Grovei', at the 
arsenal below Saint Louis, with which to arm the crew, and the boat 
having been loaded, she started down the river at 11 o'clock a. m., Oc- 
tober 4, 1878. 

The party was composed as follows : First Lieut. H. H. Benner, Eight- 
eenth Infantry, commanding ; Second Lieut. Charles S. Hall, Thii'teenth 
Infantry, assistant; H. M. Keys, A. S. U. S. M. H. S., surgeon in charge; 
Henry L. Kessler, druggist; Vincent M. Yore, master of steamer; a 
rei^resentative of tlie Chicago Eelief Committee and correspondent of a 
Chicago newspaper; a correspondent of Saint Louis pajiers, and a 
boat's crew embracing 33 men, and one chambermaid ; making in all 41 
souls on board. 

The cargo for distribution was made uj) as per accompanying inven- 
tory (marked A)." 

The steamer proceeded on down the river 80 miles to Chester, 111., at 
which iioint we arrived at 7.30 p. m. Stopped here to fix the wheel and 
rudder, and concluded to remain all night on account of the uncertainty 
and danger of running that portion of the river by night. 

The remainder of this report will be given as I take it from "logs," 
kept by Lieutenant Benner and myself on the trix3, as I think all the in- 
cidents and details of the trip can be better shown in that form than 
otherwise. 



October 5. — Left Cliester at daybreak. The weather to-day has been 
chilly, with a cold wind bloAviug steadily. Our speed has been neces- 
sarily slow, on account of the numerous bars in tlie river. Arrived at 
Cairo, 111., at 5.30 p. m., where we tied xq> to receive donations of flour 
from the steamer AVhisper, sent by citizens of Aurora, Ind., 300 bushels of 
coal contributed by Halliday Brothers for use of the boat, and contribu- 
tions from various Sunday schools. The latter, however, was not re- 
ceived, owing to the absence from the city of the gentleman having it in 
charge. Learned here of sickness at Hickman, Ky., 40 miles below, and 
concluded to remain all night, so that Hickman might be reached after 
the sun had risen, a precaution which the surgeon in charge deemed 
advisable to keep us out of infected districts at night. 

October 6. — Left Cairo at 5, and arrived at Hickman at 9.30 a. m. Were 
met at the wharf-boat by Dr. Luke Blackburn, of Kentucky, to whom 
was transferred a few medical stores. The citizens were not in immedi- 
ate need of other supplies, as they could be readily procured from Cairo, 

The fever broke out at this point on the 4th of September, and 110 
whites and 9 blacks had died to date, 70 of Avhom were of the principal 
citizens of the place. No information was to be obtained here as to the 
condition of points below. 

The weather is much warmer and overcoats are shed. 

Arrived at New Madrid, Mo., about 1 p. m.^ where we endeavored to 
land for information, and to send a message to Memphis. We were 
warned by the quarantine officer not to land, on account of having touched 
at Hickman. We could learn of no sickness or destitution above Mem- 
phis, so proceeded down the river, stopping at several points during the 
day and night, at each of which we were told there was no sickness in 
the vicinity. 

October 7. — Arrived at Memphis, Tenn., at 8.45 a. m., and anchored in 
the stream, while the medical officers were sent ashore in a yawl to send 
telegrams and confer with the authorities as to their needs. Memjjhis 
looks like a grave. The wharves are almost entirely deserted. Occa- 
sionally a small dray and a few negroes could be seen, but otherwise it 
all looked like death. The city looks mournful in the extreme, appears 
gloomy and desolate, with a funeral pall overhanging it and dread dis- 
ease lurking in the shadow. 

No supplies were needed here, but we received contributions for 
delivery at Greenville, Miss., and ten tons of mail matter for delivery at 
points on the river as far down as Vicksbuig. This mail had been 
accumulating at Memphis for some time, and was carefully fumigated 
with sulphur every night in the Memphis office, but when it came on 
board we had it disinfected with turpentine. The day is disagreeably 
warm and is becoming uncomfortable. 

Left Memphis at 2.30 p. m. Left mail at Scanlan's at 4 p. m., and 
there learned of sickness at Horn Lake and Lorenzo, Tenn. Arrived 
there at 4.30 p. m. In these two towns there had been four cases of 
fever, with two deaths at Horn Lake and one at Lorenzo. There was 
no destitution or great suffering. 

^topped at several points to deliver mail and arrived at Alexis, Miss., 
at 8.45 p. m., where we concluded to lay all night, as our inquiries could 
be made better in the day-time, and no points would be i)assed by, 
which might be the case did we run at night. No sickness here. 

October 8. — Left Alexis at 4 a. m., but was compelled to " lie to " sev- 
eral hours on account of the fog. When the fog rose sufficiently we 
proceeded down the river. Inquiries at the several landings fail to dis- 
cover any fever or destitution. The residents along this part of the 



river do not suffer for want of actual uecessities of life, but are sdmewhat 
afflicted because no fresh meat can be procured, and the negroes are 
mostly out of money. As we had no fresh meat on board, nothing could 
be done. No mail had been down this river for several weeks until the 
Chambers brought it. 

Beached the mouth of Saint Francis Eiver at 10 a. m. Found some 
sickness here, but not yellow fever. Some seven or eight persons had 
died up to date. Left here a few bottles of medicine. There seemed to 
be throughout this section a great want of quinine. 

Arrived at Helena, Ark., about noon. We were not permitted to 
land, and the persons on the bank refused to receive the mail. We 
drew out and proceeded down stream four miles to the quarantine sta- 
tion, where we landed the mail and endeavored to eUcit information as 
to the condition of points below, but could learn nothing. Ko sickness 
here. The day is excessively hot. 

Arrived at Friar's Point, Miss., about 1.30 p. m. This is a small place, 
and we found the fever prevailing here, but all the patients were then 
doing well. There was a great scarcity of quinine. We left here ice, 
lemons, and medicines. During the day we landed at various places to 
put oft" the mail, but could learn positively of no fever or destitution 
except at those places where we discharged supplies. At nearly every 
landing we learned of " fever below," but on arriving at the designated 
point found the report was incorrect. As an instance, at Australia, 
Miss., we were informed that we would find fever at Dennis's Landing, 
4 miles below. We went down to Dennis's, rounded to, blew the steam- 
whistle seven or eight times, and, failing to arouse anybody, continued 
on our course to Laconia, Ark., some 3 miles below, at which point we 
arrived at 9.30 p. m. There was no fever here, and we were told there 
had been none at Dennis's. 

Beached Terrence, Miss., the landing for White Biver, Ark., at 11.50 
p. m. Found the fever prevailing here, five deaths having occurred in 
the family of the postmaster, and the sickness was all confined to this 
one house. Took on coal, left ice for the sick, and 12 bags of maU. 
Continued on our course, running aU night, and making the necessary 
mail-landings. 

October 9. — Began raining this morning at 4.30 and has continued 
raining slightly all day. Marked change from yesterday. To-day is 
cool and damp. 

Not allowed to land at Arkansas City, and no fever could be heard of 
between that point and Greenville, Miss., at which point we arrived at 
11.30 a. m. Here we were met by Bev. Stevenson Archer, mayor of the 
city, who gave information as to the condition of the city and its needs. 
Greenville was one of the most badly infected points along the river, 
and had lost nearly its entire population by death and flight. We dis- 
charged here quite a large amount of stores and medicines. Some 
special contributions were also made to deserving persons, and we left 
at 5.30 p. m. 

Arrived at Befuge, Miss., at 7 p. m. The fever had been very bad 
here, and there was no physician in tlie place. There were twenty -two 
white residents in this settlement, and the disease had been confined to 
them, eleven of whom had died. The sick were doing well, and we left 
a supply of ice, as nothing else was needed. 

Beached India, La., at il.l5 p. m., where we intended to "lie to" until 
morning. After tying up we were hailed by some fifteen or twenty 
armed men on horses, led by a Mr. C. Anderson, who informed us that 
no boats were allowed to land ui that vicinity. They refused to take 



8 

the mail, and we chopped down the river 2 miles to Bunche's Cut-off 
Island, where we lay until morning. 

October 10. — Started on our course at 5 a. m. Weather cool and 
pleasant. Arrived at Lake Providence, La., at 8 a. m. It had been re- 
ported to us that the fever was raging here, but when we attempted to 
land were not jiermitted to do so. 

Arrived at Goodrich's Landing, La., at 9.30 a. m. Some sickness here 
and quite a number of convalescents. Left ice, lemons, and medicines. 
Pecan Grove, La., at 10.30 a. m. ISTo sickness or destitution here, but 
we i^ut off 20 barrels of meal, which we liad brought down for Mr. 
George Foster. 

Eeached Henderson, La., at 11.45 a. m. The fever here was very 
bad and there was no physician. We left (juite a liberal supply of ice, 
provisions, medicines, coilins, &c. A few supplies were also left here 
for Alastia, in the interior. 

Went across and up the bend 1^ miles to Chotard, Miss., to send tele- 
grams. Were refused a landing at first, but tinally got ashoi-e, but 
could not send the telegrams, as the operator said the lines were down. 
Left mails at various points during the day and arrived at Milliken's 
Bend, La., at 4 p. m. No sickness liere, but considerable destitution in 
vicinity, and sickness at Tallulah, La., 8 miles back from the river. 
Transferred to Dr. Yerger a large amount of stores and medicines, and 
concluded to remain here all night, as we were only 20 miles above 
Vicksburg and night overtook us before the stores were unloaded. Dr. 
Eeilly was allowed to go down the river to Vicksburg in the boat's 
yawl, to remain until we arrived in the morning. 

October 11. — Left at daybreak for Vicksburg, which point we reached 
about 8 a. m. Eeceived here a telegram from secretary of Board of 
Health of Helena, explanatory of their refusal to let us land. Conferred 
with Mayor Beck and W. H. Andrews, president of Howard Associa- 
tion, and learned that the fever had about spent its force and was now 
on the decline. There were no sup]>lies needed here, and an appeal for help 
having been received fi'om Port Gibson, Miss., we concluded to run down 
to Grand Gulf, Miss., a point on the river 8 miles from Port Gibson and 
connected with it by rail, and lend them assistance. Dr. Eeilly went 
ashore to remain until our return, and, after coaling, we left at 11.30 
a. m. for Grand Gulf, where we arrived at 3.30 \). m. Met here Mr. Jas. 
A. Gage, president of Howard Association of Port Gibson, and ar- 
ranged to furnish stores needed at Port Gibson and Brandywiue. While 
lying here Lieutenaut Benner was introduced by Mr. Gage to a Mrs. 
Leonard, who had come in on tlie train with Mr. Gage from Port Gib- 
son, where she had been nursing one of her children until its death. She 
was on her way to Green^ille to nurse another stricken with the fever. 
The inhabitants of the place would not allow her to come into town, and 
at the railroad landing, half a mile below where we lay, the;s' would not 
allow her in any house but an old warehouse where our stores were to 
be placed. Actuated by feelings of humanity, Lieutenant Benner invited 
the lady on board, gave her supi)er, and allowed her to occupy his bed 
until the packet, which was to take her to Greenville, arrived. The 
packet was not due until about daylight and the nights were very 
chilly. 

October 12. — The packet arrived at 5 a. m., wlien Lieutenant Benner 
awoke Mrs. Leonard and saw her safely on board. In doing so he 
stepped into the mud, or, to use his own words, "while passing from one 
boat to another got badly mired." He returned to the boat and retired 
to rest in the bed just vacated by ]\Irs. Leonard. We discharged the 



reinaining stores intended for that point and at noon started back to 
Vicksburg to leave tbe remainder of our stores to be sent from Vicks- 
burg' to destitute i)laees in the interior. We went no farther down the 
river than Grand Gulf, because we learned at Vicksburg that the points 
below were supplied from New Orleans. 

Arrived at Vicksburg about 7 p. m., and anchored in " the lake," oppo- 
site the wharf-boat. Kei)resentatives of the Howard Association and 
Dr. Keilly came on board, and arrangements were made to deli^'er the 
remaining stores in the morning. 

AVhile lying at anchor here Lieutenant Benner received a communi- 
cation from G. ^Y. Stith, president of the Peabody (colored) Association, 
asking aid. (Comnnmication inclosed aiul marked B.) An a}»i)oint- 
ment was made for an interview on the following morning, and United 
States District Attorney W. H. Bliss, Saint Louis, Mo., was telegraphed 
relative to the matter. 

October 13. — At daylight another communication was received from 
other colored people (inclosed and marked C). The transfer of the stores 
was deferred until 1 p. m., until INIr. Bliss could be heard from, and 12 
m. fixed as the hour to meet Mr. Stith on board. 

About 7.30 a. m. Lieutenant Benner began complaining of feeling 
unwell. He was advised by the surgeon to go on shore to the hotel 
and go to bed, but refused to do so. At 11 a. m., by direction of the 
surgeon, he went to bed on the boat. 

At noon the president and rei)resentatives of the Howard Association, 
Mr. Stith, and other colored gentlemen came on board, and the disposi- 
tion of the stores was discussed. On being interrogated by me Mr. 
Stith stated that he knew of no instance of a colored man having been 
refused help and attention by the Howard Association upon proper ap- 
plication being made. He also stated that he felt satisfied that any 
needy or sick colored person would receive assistance if proper applica- 
tion was made to the Howard Association. Just then Dr. Keyes in- 
formed me that Lieutenant Benner had a high fever, and as Mr. Bliss 
had not been heard from, I concluded it was best to turn over the sup- 
plies to the Howard Association, with the understanding that they were 
intended as much for the relief of colored as white people, and get out 
of the infection as quickly as possible. I had the boat at once taken 
into the wharf-boat and unloaded and then nioved across and up the 
river about four miles and tied to the Louisiana shore to await the result 
of Lieutenant Benner's attack. Two physicians and a nurse were brought 
over from the city and luirsed him through the night. 

October 14. — As Lieutenant Benner's condition was very much worse 
this morning, I deenunl it advisable to move the boat to the Mississippi 
shore, so as to be in quick communication yvith the city by hack. As 
soon as steam could be raised I had the boat moved to the Mississippi 
side, about three miles below the city, in deep, running water. Lay 
here all day. Keceived a communication from the Howard Association 
proffering aid. Part of the crew became panicky, and I paid off' two 
who desired to be discharged. Upon the surgeon's advice several who 
wished it went up into the city to sleep. Secured more nurses. 

October 15. — Lieutenant Benner's condition improved. Still lying be- 
low the city awaiting the result of the sickness. Dalton, the watchman, 
taken sick and sent to the hospital. 

October 16. — ^N'o change. 

October 17. — Lieutenant Benner died this morning at 2.30. At once 
notified the Howard Association, who asked to be allowed to bury him. 
Burned Lieutenant Benner's bedding, and had the boat moved up to the 



10 

wharf, and ordon'd the crew on shore whik' the boat was fumigated. 
Received orders to i)ro('eed u}) the river. Ordered the crew on board 
again and made preparations to leave. Lieutenant Benner was ]>uried 
in the national cemetery at 4 j). m. Eeceived notification that the 
pilots would not return, and was unable to jirocnre others. 

October 18. — Eeceived notification of the death of the watchman the 
night previous. Still looking for pilots. Secured two at last and left 
at 4.30 p. m. 

The remainder of the trip was a slow and tedious crawling up the 
river. The boat was slow, and we were compelled to lay up every night 
on account of broken engine, fog, bad river, or some other cause, and 
we reached the quarantine station below Saint Louis about 9 a. m., Octo- 
ber 29. The boat was found to be in good sanitary condition, and, after 
discharging our remaining medical stores, we proceeded to Saint Louis^ 
arriving there about 1 }). m. 

When we left Vicksburg the Howai'd Association very kindly re- 
placed the articles burned by reason of Lieutenant Benner's death and 
furnished us with stores for our trij) up the river. They also sent with us 
three nurses, to be sent back at their expense when the surgeon found 
their services no longer required. Two of these were sent back from 
Memphis and the remaining one taken on to Saint Louis. And, also, 
they gave Lieutenant Benner a magnificent burial (an account of which 
I clip from a Vicksburg paper and inclose herewith). 

At Memphis, one of the pilots, whose papers extended no farther, left 
lis, and, as we were unable to procure another, we had only one pilot 
from Memphis to Cairo. The Howard Association also furnished us with 
stores. 

On the down trip every precaution was taken to prevent infection of 
the boat and crew. At Cairo, one hundred yards of bagging were pro- 
cured and suspended from and around the edge of the boiler-deck and 
thoroughly saturated with turpentine three times a day. The mail- 
bags were also sprinkled with tuipentine three times each day. Chloride 
of lime was used about the boat in convenient places also. The medical 
of&cer was always sent on shore first, and found the prominent and re- 
sponsible persons with whom we wished to confer, and, this having been 
done, we held the conference and transacted our business, keeping the 
idle crowd from coming in contact with any of the crew. When Lieu- 
tenant Benner died, his bedding and articles in the room, excepting 
papers, moneys, &c., which I personally took charge of, were burned, 
and chlorine gas evolved in the room to thoroughly fumigate and disin- 
fect it. On the trip up the boat was also fumigated with burning sulphur 
and alcohol 5 the hold was thoroughly cleansed, and the whole boat 
scrubbed from stem to stern. At Cairo, 111., as we passed down and up, 
coal was contributed for use of the boat by Messrs. Halliday Brothers. 

Accompanying this report is a manifest (marked D) of the stores, 
showing tlieir distribution. 

Lieutenant Benner also I'eceived and distributed quite a large amount 
of money on the trip, a return of which I am unable to make, as he kept 
those accounts himself and I have not obtained them. 

I have in this report entered into all the details and incidents of the 
expedition, that the War Department might have a full and correct 
account of it, because of articles having appeared in the public prints 
which exaggerated the facts and made misrepresentations which induced 
a belief that Lieutenant Benner had evaded or transcended his orders. 

There is in this report no return of the medical stores, because they 
were under the charge and control of H. M. Keyes, A. S., U. S. M. H. S., 



11 

who makes a return of them to Surgeon-General Woodworth, U. S. 
M. H. S. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CHAS. S. HALL, 
Second Lieutenant Thirteenth Infantry. 
The Adjutant-General, U. S. A., 

Washington, D. G. 
(Through the Assistant Adjutant General Department of the South, 
Newport Barracks, Ky.) 



Inventory of stores taken for distribution. 



1,240 shirts. 

300 pairs shoes, men's, women's, and chil- 
dren's. 

152 tons ice. 

240 undershirts. 

1,000 pairs drawers. 
1,032^ yards prints. 

300 pairs socles. 

100 pairs blankets. 

5,000 needles. 

12 dozen thread. 
483^ yards sheeting. 

72 comforts. 
257f yards crash. 

500 pairs slippers. 

48 pounds Liebig's beef extract. 

1,000 bed-sacks. 

1,000 pillow-ticks. 

800 dressing-gowns. 

300 iiiimade coffins. 

372 hats. 

350 boxes pilot bread. 

300 boxes butter crackers. 

400 boxes soda crackers. 

16 coops chickens. 

600 dozen eggs. 

102 barrels corn meal. 

331 pounds butter. 

33 boxes cheese. 

6 barrels grits. 

1,000 paper bags. 

16 boxes tobacco. 

5 i^ails tobacco. 

80 bags bacon, C. R. 

79 barrels flour. 

5 bales straw. 

50 barrels onions. 

1,000 pounds coffee. 

300 pounds tea. 

5 banels sugar. 

3 cases matches. 

9 sacks salt. 

5 cases lard. 

36 lemon-squeezers. 

96 pass-books. 

24 potato-mashers. 



5 

6 

1 

12 

10 

2 

10 

2 

24 

10 

20 



5 
5 
2 
20 
6 
4 



barrels rice. 

coils rope. 

barrel molasses. 

boxes corn-starch. 

dozen canned soup. 

dozen pipes. 

dozen brooms. 

dozen clothes-brushes. 

boxes lemons. 

cases canned com. 

barrels apples. 
60 barrels i^otatoes. 
10 boxes candles. 

dozen scrubbing-brushes. 

kegs nails. 

dozen tin dippers. 

dozen wooden buckets. 

dozen tumblers. 

dozen pitchers. 
12 dozen yeast-powder. 
1 case snuff". 
2f gross spoons. 
3 barrels paper board. 
1 gross baking-powder. 
27 cases ueiiper. 
6 barrels cranberries. 
117 ] ounds ham (80). 
6 sacks dried beef (900 pounds). 

cases clam chowder, 

cases mackerel. 

cases fish balls. 

boxes macaroni. 

barrel vinegar. 

boxes chocolate. 

cases mustard. 

cases Boston baked beans. 

cases cracked wheat. 

boxes soap. 

cans condensed milk. 

cases canned pease. 

half-barrels pickles. 

cases canned tomatoes. 

cases corned beef. 

boxes clothing. 

bale clothing. 



5 

50 
10 
50 

1 
10 
11 
10 

2 
10 
20 
10 

4 
20 
20 

2 

1 



12 

B. 

ViCKSBURG, October 11, 1878. 
Lieuts. H. H. Benner, Charles S. Hall, esq., and gentlemen of 
THE Belief Mission: 

I am mformed that you, as commanders of tlie steamer John M. Cham- 
bers, came to the relief of the poor and destitute people of this and other 
places. On yom- arrival to this city was informed that there Avas no need 
of any relief here, and that all parties in actual need had been^supplied. 
I am sorry to say that if such is the case that you have been thus in- 
formed you have been misinformed. Hundreds of the poor colored peo- 
ple here, sirs, are in a deplorable condition. Some are at work on the 
public streets and river landings. They are to get one dollar per day 
and not a cent more, though there be many who are not able to work. 
I hope no one has designingly misstated our present condition. We are 
called upon for assistance in various parts of the city and Aicinity, but 
cannot give the required relief, owing to the fact that we have no ftmds 
nor provisions on hand. 

The Howards have closed their ration depot against us, and unless 
some aid is otherwise given us we cannot give the necessary relief to our 
people. 

The Howard A-Ssociation has hired a great many of those able to work 
and are repairing the streets of the city and river landings, for which 
they are to receive one dollar per day as aforesaid, but there are hun- 
dreds who cannot work on account of being just up from the fever. 

I hope that you will give us some aid, as many are in actual need of 
it. They come to us for aid, but we have nothing to aid them. 

The suffering in the county outside of the city is fearful. In some 
cases the colored people die without ever having any medical attention 
whatever, and numbers have not bread in their houses. And if you will 
send a committee with me through the different parts of the city and 
county you will find things just as I have told you, only a little worse. 

Hoping that my appeal in behalf of the suffering poor will not be in 
vain, 

I am your obedient servant, 

GEO. W. STITH, 
President Peabody Siih. Association of Yiclishtirg, 



Help ! Help ! Help ! 

To the people of the United States of every class, and especially to the colored 

j)eo2)le : 

The Peabody Association of Vicksburg, Miss., appeals to the gener- 
osity of the American people of every State and Territory, of every city, 
town, and village, to aid them promi^tly, liberally, and generally in their 
eifort to relieve hnndi-eds of men, an omen, and childien who are in actual 
need of the very commonest necessaries of life. 

All avenues of business are entirely or nearly closed, and hundreds of 
men and women who once made ample supi)ort for themselves Jind fam- 
ilies — yes, industrious and hard-working men and women, having no 
j)ossible way of earning a livelihood — must soon be forced to meet star- 
vation. They cannot go to the country to i)ick cotton, or to do any 
other kind of work, as the yellow fever has invaded the country, and 



in 

taken up its abode right iii tlie very cotton-field of the farmer. We 
have nowhere to go, and hundreds of our i^eople have not even bread 
to eat. 

Yellow fever is like war; it closes up every avenue of business, para- 
lyzes every industry, and leaves in its track devastation and hundreds 
in absolute want and misery. Then help us, in God's name, at once, or 
starvation will be the unwelcome visitor of hundreds of our people here. 

We ask not for such as you eat and enjoy, but for the very common- 
est necessaries of daily life. 

The Howard Association is fulfilling its noble mission far and wide, 
for which they have the plaudits of the Christian world. 

It is true that the fever is abating, but then we know that it wUl leave 
in its place that which is worse — famine, with all its ghastly horrors^ 
with hundreds of widows and orphans entirely dependent. Already, in 
many families in our community, helpless children reach out their hands 
for bread, but theii' mothers have none to give. 

While there remains bread in this goodly land, shall we die of starva- 
tion ? Then cast your bread upon the waters, and it will return to you 
after many days. 

N. B. — All money sent will be addressed to the treasurer, Thomas M. 
Broadwaters, and all other donations will be sent to the president^ 
George W. Stith, of the Peabody Association of Vicksburg, Miss. 

GEOEGE W. STITH, 

President. 

WiLLEE H. Rogers, 

Secretary Peabody Association. 



C. 



ViCKSBURO, Miss., October 12, 1878. 
At a meeting of the colored male sex of the third ward of Vicksburg^ 
Miss., do hereby certify that the statement made to you on yesterday 
was a report of false, for we have found in our midst families and ^vidows 
now in a destitute condition for food. Most every house in our ward 
have been visited by this terrible epidemic and many families are in 
a destitute condition. The following names do certify that we are in a 
destitute condition and not able to work, as the sickness has been so 
great in our midst. The following names do certify this to be facts, and 
we do ask you for God's sake to give us relief: 



Eev. Elder Thos. Knap- 

per. 
J. Lumler. 
E. Brankins. 

C. Lowe. 
B. CHfton. 
H. Wiggins. 
T. Brown. 
A. WilUs. 
L. Simpson. 
E. Moody. 

D. BeU. 
J. Adams. 
I. Johnson. 



H. Johnson. 
J. B. Burrell. 
D. Spain. 
H. Fletcher. 
W. Mitchell. 
L. Plumer. 
S. James. 
Geo. Thomas. 
S. Adams. 
W. Fairow. 
T. Jefferson. 
C. Bias. 
G. Brown. 
T. Creecy. 



E. Turbin. 
M. H. Johnson. 
I. James. 
J. Hankins. 
J. Hunt. 

A. James. 

B. J. Brown. 
J. L. Lowe. 

A. Perry. 

J. B. Brooks. 
J. B. Benson. 

B. BeU. 



14 

We, many sufferers of this ward, and hundreds of others, if neces- 
sary, do certify this to be a fact. 

ALLEN CHANDLER, President. 
CHAS. L. HUED, Secretary. 

P. S. — Answer in regards of our relief. 

A. CHAOT)LER, Presidefit. 



D. 



October 8, 1878. Friar's Point, Miss., T. S. Aderioldt, mayor. 
1023 pounds ice. 1 i box lemons. 



250 pounds ice. 



Octobers, 1878. Terne, Miss., W. U. Ezell. 



October 9, 1878. — Greenville, Miss., Stevenson Archer. 



5 cases corn beef. 

3 cases canned tomatoes. 

i barrel pickles. 

5 cases condensed milk. 

3 boxes lemons. 

1 barrel rice. 

2 cases lard. 

1 case matches. 
1 barrel sugar. 
20 pounds tea. 
200 pounds coffee. 

3 barrels onions. 
24 barrels flour. 

3 boxes soap. 

1 case cracked wheat. 
10 cases mackerel. 
17 cases ham. 

1 box candles. 



10 barrels potatoes. 
5 bari'els apples. 
68 pounds butter. 

5 cases eggs. 

6 coops chickens. 
25 pair blankets. 

300 shirts. 
100 pair shoes. 

9G pair socks. 

96 undershirts. 
200 pairs drawers. 
179 yards sheeting. 

24 comforts. 
200 bedsacks. 
200 pillow-ticks. 
102 dressing-gowns. 

10 tons ice. 



October- 9, 1878. Greenville, Miss., J. D. Shute. 



100 lemons. 

1 barrel apples. 

4 packages yeast-powders. 
i barrel cranberries. 

2 hams. 

1 dozen cans tomatoes. 



1 dozen cans corn. 

1 box macaroni. 

2 boxes mustard. 
5 pounds tea. 

1 barrel potatoes. 
1 coop chickens. 



1 barrel potatoes. 

2 pounds tea. 



October 9, 1878.— Greenville, Miss., S. O. Shorey. 
I 10 pounds coffee. 



October 10, 1878.— Goodrich's Landing, La., Samuel Mark. 
i box lemons. | 400 pounds ice. 

October 10, 1878.— Pecaw Grove, La., ,7. P. Alexander. 
20 barrels corn meal 



15 



October 10 ', 1878. — Henderson, La., Joseph Hornthal. 



8 


tons ice. 


198 


yards calico. 


1-2 


pouuils extract beef. 


10 


boxes arjiiy crackers. 


10 


boxes butter crackers 


10 


boxes soda crackers. 


2 


coops cliickeus. 


2 


cases eggs. 


15 


barrels corn meal. 


5 


barrels potatoes. 


1 


box veast-powder. 


^ barrel crauberries. 


17" 


hams. 


5 


cases mackerel. 


5 


boxes uiacaroni. 


3 


boxes mustard. 


1 


box (iracked wheat. 


2 


boxes soap. 


1 


bale straw. 



8 


boxes cheese. 


1 


Ijarrel grits. 


2 


l)oxes tobacco. 


1 


pail tobacco. 


.5 


bags bacon. 


3 


Itarrels floiu-. 


3 


barrels onions. 


100 


pounds coffee. 


1 


barrel sugar. 


1 


barrel rice. 


2 


dozen canned soup. 


1 


box pipes. 


2 


boxes lemons. 


i barrel pickles. 


2 


boxes corn-beef. 


30 


coffins. 


1 


keg nails. 


1 


cask ice for Alsatia. 


1 


box lemons for Alsatia 



Octoher 10, XSlS.—Mmiken's Bend, La., WilUam P. Yerger. 



1 ton ice. 
50 shirts. 
50 pairs shoes. 
48 undershirts. 
50 pairs drawers. 
225^ yards print. 
48 pairs socks. 
25 pairs l)lankets. 

1 M needles. 

8 dozen thread. 
89 yards sheeting, 
12 comforts. 
50 yards crash. 
50 pair slippers. 
50 bed-sacks. 
50 ])illow-ticks. 
30 dressing-gowns. 
28 hats. 
10 boxes pilot bread. 



10 boxes butter crackers.,' 
10 boxes soda crackers. 

5 barrels meal. 

5 barrels potatoes. 

4 hams. 

1 sack dried beef. 

2 boxes cheese. 

1 box tobacco. 

2 bags l)acon. 
2 liarrels flour. 

2 barrels onions. 

5 bags coffee, 10 pounds each. 
20 l)ags tea, ^ pound each. 

1 sack salt. 
1 case corn. 
1 case peas. 
1 case tomatoes. 
1 case corn-beef. 
1 box lemons. 



October 12, 1878.— Port Gibson, det'd at Grand Gulf. 

Association. 



Jas. A. Gage, president Howard 



12 tons ice. 

4 bales straw. 
200 shirts. 

100 pair shoes. 

96 undershii'ts. 
200 jjairs drawers. 
495 yards prints. 
108 pairs socks. 

50 pairs blankets, 
1 M needles. 

23 dozen thread. 
225 yards sheeting. 
3 dozen comforts. 
150 yards crash. 
200 pairs slippers. 

36 pounds l)eef extract, 
530 bed-sacks. 
500 pillow-ticks. 
500 dres.sing-gowns. 
102 hats. 
275 boxes crackers. 

5 coops chickens. 
7 cases eggs. 



25 barrels meal, 
5 tubs butter. 
15 barrels potatoes. 
10 barrels apples. 

5 boxes candles. 

2 dozen scrubbing-brushes. 
2 kegs nails. 
4 cheese-knives. 

1 dozen dip])ers. 
8 dozen buckets. 

2 dozen tumblers. 
2 dozen pitchers. 

8 dozen yeast-powders. 
1 casi^ snuff. 

1 gross baking-powders. 

6 cases black pepper. 
4 cases red ]>eppcr. 

2 barrels cranlx'Tries. 

1 tierce hams. 

2 l>ags dried beef. 

2 cases clam chowder. 
20 cases mackerel. 
4 cases fish-balls. 



16 



1 barrel rice. 

3 coils rope. 

4 boxes soap. 

6 boxes lemons. 

2 boxes clothing. 

1 bundle clothing. 
100 coffins. 
20 boxes macaroni. 
1 barrel vinegar. 

5 boxes chocolate. 

4 cases mustard. 

5 cases beans. 
4 boxes soap. 

4 boxes cheese. 
1 barrel grits. 

5 boxes tobacco. 
1 j)ail tobacco. 

20 bags bacon. 
20 banels flour. 

5 barrels onions. 
20 bags coffee, 10 pounds each. 



100 bags tea, i pound each. 
3 barrels sugar. 

2 cases matches. 

3 cases lard. 

2 dozen pass-books. 
2 potato-mashers. 

1 barrel molasses. 

2 boxes corn-starch. 

2 dozen brooms. 
18 clothes-brushes. 

4 cases corn. 
10 cases milk. 

4 cases peas. 

i barrel pickles. 

5 cases tomatoes. 

6 cases com-beef. 
1 case apples. 

3 sacks salt. 

1 dozen lemon-squeezers. 

2 dozen lead-pencils. 



Octobei- 13, 1878. — Ficksburg, Miss W H. Andrews, president Howard Association. 



4 barrels apples. 
9 cases apples. 

220 bed-sacks. 
3 tubs butter. 
53 bags bacon. 

3 bags dried beef. 

6 cases corned beef. 
8 dozen brooms. 
12 dozen buckets. 

5 cases B. B. beans. 
57^ yards crash. 

165 coffins. 

715 boxes crackers. 

4 coops chickens. 

4 boxes candles. 

8 boxes cheese. 

44 biigs coffee, 10 pounds each. 

3 barrels cranberries. 
10 boxes corn-starch. 

6 clothes-brushes. 

3 cases clam chowder. 

5 cases chocolate. 

4 cases corn. 

2 cheese-knives. 
550 pairs drawers. 
168 dressing-gowns. 

1 dozen dippers. 

4 cases eggs. 
30 barrels flour. 

6 cases fish-balls. 
4 barrels grits. 

242 hats. 
Ice. 

9 boxes lemons. 
57 barrels meal. 
15 cases mackerel. 
24 cases macaroni. 



4 cases mustard. 

5 cases milk. 
3 M needles. 
2 kegs nails. 

57 barrels onions. 

5 cases oil. 
H3J^ yards prints. 
250 pillow-ticks. 

23 barrels potatoes. 
1 M paper bags. 

1 case pipes. 

2 dozen pitchers. 

3 barrels P. board. 
11 cases black jtepper. 

6 cases red pepper. 
5 cases pease. 

2 barrels rice. 

5 cases potted hams. 

2 coils rope. 
450 shirts. 
240 overshirts. 

48 pairs socks. 
250 pairs slippers. 

1 box soap. 

5 sacks salt. 

3 dozen scrubbing-brushes. 
32 dozen spoons. 

19 dozen thread. 

48 tumblers. 

10 cases tcfJnatoes. 

8 boxes tobacco. 

3 pails tobacco. 
163 pounds tea, ^-pound bags. 

2 cases matclies. 

6 dozen pass-books. 
50 pairs shoes. 



17 



ANOTHER MARTYR GONE. — THE MORTAL REMAINS OF LIEUT. H. H. 
BENNER CONSICtNED TO THE TOMB, AMID THE TEARS OF A GRATE- 
FUL PEOPLE. — THE CITY DRAPED IN MOURNING OUT OF RESPECT TO 
THE MEMORY OF THE DEAD HERO. 

At ail early hour yesterday morning the liaiiiliil intelligence was 
brought to the city that Lieut. II. H. Benner, the senior officer in charge 
of the United States relief steamer John M. Chambers, was dead. The 
result was not wholly unexpected, as his condition on Wednesday was 
critical in the extreme ; but partly prepared as our citizens were, the 
sad announcement caused a wail of anguish and sorrow to well up from 
every heart in this sorely afflicted city. But a few short weeks ago 
the noble hero left home and friends, and ^■olunteered to take command 
of a steamer freighted with food and medicines for our fever-stricken 
and suffering Southland. In manhood's iirime, full of hope and exalted 
aspirations, he came to extend to us his aid and sympathy. But, alas ! 
contrary to the prayers of thousands of hearts, God called him, and in 
obedience to the command, as he ever was to the call of duty and human- 
ity on earth, he has gone hence. He has fallen a martyr in his efforts 
to relieve suffering humanity, and has raised a monument in the mem- 
oiy and hearts of the South that time can never darken or efface. Flags 
were at half-mast, and both residences and business houses were drajied 
in moiu'iiing in attestation of the sincere and ijoignant sorrow felt at 
the death of one so good and true. 

At twelve o'clock the remains, escorted by the Howard Association 
and Ex-Confederate and Federal soldiers, were conveyed to Genella's 
Hall, where they remained in state until the hour for the funeral. The 
haU was thronged with visitors, both white and black, male and female, 
throughout the evening, who came to pay their last sad tribute to the 
departed. 

As the hour approached for the funeral, business was entirely sus- 
pended, and every vehicle that could be used was brought into requisi- 
tion by those eager to show their appreciation and sorrow at the death 
of the true soldier. And not^Adthstaiiding the tact that our city has 
been stricken to the heart by the dread disease still lingering in our 
midst, many ladies attended the obsequies clothed in black — fit emblems 
of the sorrowful and bleeding hearts in their bosoms. After a brief 
ceremony over the remains at the hall, conducted by the Eev. Bishop 
Adams, Church of the Holy Trinity, Rev. Dr. H. Saiisom, of Christ 
Church, and Eev. Dr. Marshall, of the Methodist Chui'ch, the 

FUNERAL PROCESSION 

formed and moved to the National Cemetery in the following order: 

Fu^st. Clergymen. 
Second. HoAvard Association. 
Third. Marshal W. G. Paxton. 
Fourth. Firemen's silver cornet band. 
Fifth. Old Guards, 3.") in number, with reversed arms. 
Sixth. Hearse, escorted by Ex-Confederate and Federal soldiers. 
Seventh. Ofticers and crew of steamer John M. Chambers. 
Eighth. Colored field band. 
Kinth. Fire department, 45 in number. 
Tenth. Colored brass band. 

Eleventh. Draymen's Aid Association, 35 in number. 
Twelfth. Vicksbiu'g Union, colored, 35 in number. 
2 YF 



18 

Tbirteeiitli. City and county officers. 
Fourteenth. Carriages, 43 in number. 
Fifteenth. Citizens on horseback, 50 in nunilter. 

On arriving at the grave a hirge nuuil)er of people were found assem- 
bled, having i)receded tlie procession on l)oard the ferry-boat. 

Kev. Bishop Adams conducted the beautiful luuial service of the Epis- 
copal Church over the remains, concluding with a brief yet heart-thrill- 
ing eulogium of those who fall in the performance of their duty to their 
fellow-men and to their God. As the god of day was trend)ling on the 
western horizon, the mortal remains of one destined to live in song aiul 
story w^ere reverently lowered to their last resting-place by the side of 
that mighty river which, as it goes onward to the sea, will sing the 
reciuiem of one who died at the post of duty. Mid tlie gathering twi- 
hglit of an autumn night we left him alone in his glory, and would to 
God that the living could, when their time comes, meet a death like his. 

How sleep the brave who siuk to rest 
With all their country's hoiiois blest ! 

Here Honor comes, a pilgiim gray, 
To bless the turf wliich wrai)S tlieir clay: 
And Freedom sliall awhile repair 
To dwell a weepini; hcniiit tliere. 



Letter of instructions and authority. 

Yoiu' detail by the War Department to take charge of the relief- 
steamer J. M. Chambers, al)out to sail down the Mississippi for the suc- 
cor of communities afflicted with yellow fever and rendered destitute 
through this fearful scourge, requires instructions as to the conduct of 
the expedition, and it nuiy not be improper to give you a brief account 
of the origin of the movement, the contributors to it, as well as what 
is designed to be accomplished by and tlirough it. 

The movement originated with the national relief commissioners of 
Washington City. Representations as to the great suffering and desti- 
tution existing along the Lower Mississippi were constantly made by 
citizens having relatives and friends living along the river, more partic- 
ularly between Memphis and Vicksburg, and the feeling that such suf- 
fering existed was intensified by the knoAvledge that communication was 
entirely suspended between these two points. The commission deter- 
mined to develop measures which would furnish the needed relief and 
open telegraphic communication Avith various cities, stating the plan and 
asking co-operation. Favorable responses and contributions were made 
by Chicago, Brooklyn, Baltimore, Providence, E. I., Eochester, Pitts- 
burgh, San Francisco, Detroit, Milwaukee, State of Iowa, Hartford, Conn., 
Oil City, Pa., Wheeling, W. Va., Buffalo, and Philadelphia, portion of a 
fund contributed by American citizens resident in France through the 
State Department, and Washington City. Since the arrival of the com- 
mittee here, some of the merchants of Saint Louis have also contribu- 
ted. The fund thus raised, aggregating $20,000 in money (besides a 
large quantity of merchandise), has been expended in the charter of a 
steamer and the purchase of an assorted cargo of such provisions, cloth- 
ing, bedding, medicines, and ice as experience suggested was adapted 
for the puri)ose intended; and you are about to put in practical opera- 
tion the distribution of this noble charity. AVe request, therefore, that 
you will start on the morning of October 4, at 9 a. m., cruising along 
the eastern shore of the Mississippi Eiver below Cairo, touching at all 
accessible points on that side of the river, making inquiries as to and 



19 

relieving' all destitution wliicli you may find. Y^ou will also endeavor to 
ascertain the condition of and liel]) localities adjacent to the landings, 
distributing the supplies in your i>ossession. The details of distribution 
must necessarily be left to your discretion and judgment. The quantity 
to be distributed, although considerable, is to be distributed over a large 
area, aiul should be given out with care and caution, in order that the 
greatest good may be done to the greatest number, proportionate to the 
existing needs of each comuumity. In executing this commission, we 
suggest that you confer with the authorities or principal citizens of the 
places visited, tinding out the exact necessities of such localities, and 
thoroughly acquainting yourself with them. In distributing this char- 
ity, no distinction must be made on account of race, color, or nationality. 
Should you hear or find out any suifering on the western shore of the 
river, you will of course relieve it. 

It is hoped that the points below Vicksburg have been already sup- 
plied from New Orleans ; but if not you will succor them. It will not 
be in accord with the charter of this steamer to take on board refugees, 
and as the sickly season, it is to be hoped, will soon be over, it is thought 
by the donors of this charity that the citizens of afflicted localities 
should remain at their homes to care for the sick and comfort their 
stricken families. It is hardly necessary to say that you, as the officer 
in charge, have full control of and authority over the steamer and all on 
board. You will be accompanied by Lieut. Charles S. Hall, your assist- 
ant ; Surgeon Keyes, of the Marine Hospital Ser^dce, who will have 
charge of the medical portion of the expedition, the delivery of medi- 
cines, &c. ; Dr. F. W. Keilly, a citizen and physician of Chicago, recom- 
mended by the relief committee of that city; and Mr. Hyde, a repre- 
sentative of the Saint Louis press. Capt. V. M. Yore has been selected 
as captain of the steamer, of com\se under your direction and control. 

We suggest that the cargo be so arranged that supplies of almost any 
description and quantity can be issued, and that you take proper receipts 
for and make returns of all such. When you shall have completed your 
mission you will return to this city and settle yoiu' accounts with W. 
H. Bliss, United States district attorney, advising us also of your return, 
making such full report of your proceedings as you may be able to do. 
We trust that your mission may be a successful one in relieving want, 
destitution, and famine, and your expedition may be instrumental in 
doing great good. 

The postmaster of Saint Louis and the postal agent at Atlanta, Gra., 
have arranged to have mails to the points you touch delivered through 
you, and you are authorized to do so. The postmaster at Memphis has 
a large accumulation of mail matter, which will l3e given you on your 
arrival there for delivery along the river, and to that end you will notify 
him upon your arrival there. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

A. R. SHEPHERD, 
J. T. MITCHELL, 
Of National Relief Committee. 

[First indorsemeut. ] 

Headquarters Department of the South, 

Neivport Barrachs, Ky., November 9, 1878. 
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General United States Army, 
through Headquarters Military Division of the Atlantic. 

C. C. AUGUR, 
Brigadier- General, Comm anding. 



20 

[Second iudorsement.] 

Headquarters Division of the Atlantic, 

Governor's Island, November 11, 1878. 

EespectfuUy forwarded to tlie Adjutant-General of the Army. 

AVINF'D S. HANCOCK, 
Major- General, Commanding. 

[Third iudorsemeut.] 

Headquarters of the Army, 

Washington, November 14, 1878. 

EespectfuUy referred to the honorable Secretary of War. 

W. T. SHEEMAX, 

General. 



[Fourth indorsemeut. ] 

Seen by the Secretary of War. File. 



November 18, '78. 
Official copy. 



JOHN TWEEDALE, 

Acting Chief Clerk. 



Adjutant-General's Office, 

December 2, 1878. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant- General. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRES 



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